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Reflections on Ash Wednesday


“For dust you are and to dust you will return." —Genesis 3:19b

"The time has come," [Jesus] said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!" —Mark 1:15


Ash Wednesday is a day for reflection, repentance, and mourning sin. In Mass services held on this day, priests quote either Genesis 3:19 or Mark 1:15 as they make a mark of ash in the shape of a cross on each congregant's forehead. Both verses are perfect for the thoughts associated with this day.

Ash Wednesday's ashes symbolize two things. First, they remind us of the penalty for sin—”to dust you will return” (Genesis 3:19b). They also symbolize the Bible times' tradition of sitting in the ashes and putting them on one's head when mourning or repenting. The following passages give examples: 2 Samuel 13:19, Esther 4:1, Job 2:8, Daniel 9:3, and Matthew 11:21.

But Mark 1:15 shows us we don't have to sit in the ashes, mourning sin forever. Jesus invites us to take action, turning away from sin and believing Jesus has triumphed once and for all over sin and death for us.

So, on Ash Wednesday and throughout the full season of Lent, we prepare for Easter by asking God to search our hearts and help us repent of any unconfessed sin. (See Psalm 51 for help with this.) We reflect on Christ's sacrifice and why it was necessary. We draw near as He has enabled us to. We practice gratitude.

As with the story of Jesus' birth, we benefit from contemplating Christ's sacrifice for us all year. However, these dates on the Christian calendar give us specific reminders, so we won't get so busy with our daily lives that we forget to pause and reflect. Christ gave His life to restore what sin destroyed. Let's honor Him always.

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